US man shares what the secret is to getting your car up to 300,000 miles that mechanics won't tell you
Published on Feb 23, 2026 at 2:43 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 at 2:43 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
An American man has shared how to get a car up to 300,000 miles, sharing a secret that mechanics apparently won’t tell you.
YouTuber Vigilante Motors said that with the right care and maintenance, many cars can exceed 150,000 miles and go as high as 250,000 or even 300,000 miles before being too worn out.
This is contrary to what many people believe, as there can be a view that 100,000 miles is the maximum a car can do.
In fact, in the opening to his video, the YouTuber said that owners can be to blame for a car failing earlier.
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Why do cars fail at 100,000 miles?
According to the YouTuber, the owners can often be the reason a car fails so early.
But there are plenty of ways to ensure a car lives far beyond the 100,000-mile mark.
Firstly, oil and oil filter changes are cited by the YouTuber.
He says rather than change it every 10,000 miles, do so every 5,000 or 3,000 miles, depending on the oil.
The correct viscosity is also important, and a high-quality oil filter is a necessity, too.
Then there is the engine coolant, which helps control the heat and protect the engine from corrosion.
Changing the coolant at regular intervals is important, as is making sure it’s the right kind for the car.
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Other ways to get your car to 300,000 miles
The YouTuber also mentioned transmission fluid.
He said that there is no such thing as a ‘lifetime fluid’ and that it regularly needs changing.
Vigilante Motors said that over time, the fluid breaks down and can no longer protect components such as the clutch.
So it also needs changing at regular intervals, every 50,000-70,000 miles.
Repairing a transmission could be one of the most expensive repairs you ever perform if things do go wrong.
A simple way to keep a car going is to keep it clean.
This is especially true underneath, keeping the frame clean to prevent rust and corrosion.
Finally, he said using top-tier gasoline can help your car last longer, too, from well-known brands such as Shell.
They have strong additive packages, which can slowly increase an engine’s life.
All of these tips could see your car last up to 300,000 miles, contrary to what mechanics say.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
